Iron Bridge Camp Shelter

About

Iron Bridge Camp Shelter offers a true backcountry experience on the Florida National Scenic Trail within the 8,879-acre Etoniah Creek State Forest. The enclosed wooden shelter features a sleeping loft and covered porch, providing protection from the elements, while a clearing adjacent to the structure accommodates primitive tent camping. The site can host up to 8 people and requires a 1.7-mile hike from the Fieldhouse Road trailhead. The surrounding forest encompasses diverse natural communities including floodplain swamps, bottomland hardwoods, and upland pine forests, with three shallow creeks winding through the landscape. Wildlife is abundant, as the forest serves as a critical corridor for Florida black bears alongside white-tailed deer, bobcat, fox squirrel, wild turkey, and protected species like the eastern indigo snake and gopher tortoise. This is a primitive site with no potable water, electricity, or restroom facilities. Campers must pack in all water and supplies and pack out all trash. The forest is managed as a Wildlife Management Area with hunting permitted during designated seasons, and prescribed burns occur year-round. Visitors should wear blaze orange during hunting seasons and practice bear awareness.

Directions

From Palatka, drive 12 miles west on SR 100 to Holloway Road. Turn right and continue 2.5 miles, then turn right on Fieldhouse Road. Park at the Florida Trail kiosk and hike 1.7 miles northeast to the shelter.